Kurt Foreman, who currently serves as executive vice president of economic development for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, has been selected to lead a new public/private economic development partnership in the state of Delaware.

During his time at the Chamber, Chamber-assisted companies announced more than 27,000 new jobs with a payroll of $1.3 billion and capital investment of $2.4 billion. Foreman also helped guide work in the innovation district and the development of Forward Oklahoma City V initiatives.

Foreman will continue his work in Oklahoma City in March with a transition to an interim director prior to his departure.

Escape to paradise on April 5

The Chamber’s SchmoozaPalooza Trade Show is back with a Hawaiian flair at the Oklahoma Expo Hall at State Fair Park on Thursday, April 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. Join the luau with your coworkers and friends and spend the afternoon meeting new potential clients, enjoying food from Oklahoma City’s best restaurants and caterers, and learning about the products and services available from Chamber members. A $10 ticket includes one drink and unlimited networking in a casual setting.

Exhibitor booths are also still available. For as low as $300, exhibitors can share their product or service with more than 500 attendees. Visit www.okcchamber.com/schmoozapalooza to purchase tickets, register for a booth or learn more.

Criminal justice reforms gain momentum

Gov. Mary Fallin, legislative leaders and Oklahoma district attorneys are working together to advance six key criminal justice reform measures during the 2018 session. Work done by the group will also lead to the creation of a criminal justice coordinating council to oversee additional reforms, including a comprehensive review and rewrite of the Oklahoma criminal code. The Chamber was actively involved in negotiations leading to the agreement, which is anticipated to reduce the state’s incarcerated population and put Oklahoma on a more sustainable path going forward.

Legislation recommended by the Chamber's criminal justice reform task force and pursued by the Chamber was signed into law on March 8. SB 363, by Sen. David Holt (R-Oklahoma City) and Rep. Terry O'Donnell (R-Catoosa), will provide special district court judges clear authority to sign pre-trial release orders for inmates eligible for pre-trial release under current law. Read the Chamber’s most recent legislative update for more.

Two companies announce major investments in Oklahoma City region

Oklahoma City is seeing significant momentum in the first quarter of 2018, with two more companies announcing major investments in the region.

WeGoLook, an Oklahoma City-grown company, plans to add more than 300 new jobs to the region by 2023. The company combines technology with an on-demand workforce to gather and validate information. WeGoLook operates as an independent subsidiary of Crawford & Company with more than 140 current employees and 40,000 independent contractors dedicated to operations. The company plans to remain based in Oklahoma City while continuing its international expansion and rapid customer growth trajectory.

Adding to the positive news is CACI International Inc., a company that provides cyber-security and information services to intelligence, defense and federal civilian customers. CACI will centralize some of its business operations in Oklahoma City by opening a shared services center. According to the company, Oklahoma City provides cost advantages and high-quality talent to support CACI’s business operations.

Shark Tank to hold casting call at Oklahoma Black Business Expo

Casting directors of the four-time Emmy Award-winning show Shark Tank will hold a casting call at the Oklahoma Black Business Expo on Saturday, April 14. All entrepreneurs and owners of startup companies are invited to pitch their unique business idea to the casting directors for a chance to appear on the show.

Wristbands to see Shark Tank producers will be distributed at the Cox Convention Center from 9 to 11 a.m., with interviews beginning at 10 a.m. The casting call is available to anyone in the country, and this event is free and open to the general public. The event, which is in its inaugural year, will also highlight the 13,905 black-owned businesses in Oklahoma and offer resources to help others build successful brands. Learn more.

Get your questions about health benefits compliance answered

The U.S. Department of Labor is teaming up with the Oklahoma Insurance Department to bring you practical information, helpful tips and clarification regarding Oklahoma and federal health benefits laws at an upcoming seminar. At the event, employers and third-party administrators will have the opportunity to talk to federal and state regulators at the same time, in the same place. Attend this free seminar on Tuesday, March 20, and Wednesday, March 21, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton at Oklahoma City Will Rogers Airport. Learn more and register.

Welcome new businesses and celebrate grand openings in OKC

Join the Chamber as it welcomes new businesses and celebrates business expansions with grand openings. Below is a list of upcoming ribbon cuttings, and you can find a complete list at www.okcchamber.com/grandopenings.